Denmark Invests in Radar Threat Simulators for F-35 Pilot Training

Denmark has decided to acquire radar-based threat simulation systems to improve the training environment for its fleet of F-35 fighter aircraft, the Ministry of Defense confirmed.

The systems, known as threat emitters, will be used to simulate enemy radar threats, offering Danish pilots more realistic combat training.

The purchase follows a military recommendation from the Danish Armed Forces and will be financed through the country’s Acceleration Fund, which was established to speed up the modernization of Denmark's defense capabilities.

The threat emitter systems replicate various radar threats that the F-35 may face during operations, including enemy surface-to-air missile systems and radar-guided tracking. The aim is to enhance Denmark’s ability to conduct offensive air operations under conditions that mimic real-world scenarios.

The systems are already in use by other European countries operating the F-35, allowing for coordinated training exercises with NATO allies.

Acceleration Fund

Denmark has allocated DKK 50 billion under the Agreement on Strengthening the Danish Armed Forces' Combat Power. The Acceleration Fund includes DKK 25 billion for 2025 and 2026 to support fast-tracked acquisitions and defense improvements. An additional DKK 10 billion per year is planned for 2027–2033 to sustain continued investments in personnel, equipment, and infrastructure.

The newly announced threat emitter acquisition is among the first wave of procurements under the Acceleration Fund, aimed at delivering immediate training benefits and operational readiness for Denmark’s F-35 fleet.

Lockheed Martin, Denmark Conduct Live F-35 Interoperability Demo

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and the Danish Ministry of Defence demonstrated F-35 interoperability, highlighting the fighter jet’s role in enabling data sharing across domains. During the test, Danish F-35s flying from Fort Worth, Texas, transmitted classified data via DAGGR-2, an open systems gateway, to Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark using commercial satellite links.

Danish Air Chief Maj. Gen. Jan Dam said the event showed the F-35's ability to share advanced data in real time across networks. Lockheed Martin said the demo underscores its focus on open systems architecture and rapid deployment of capabilities with allied partners.